Struggling with sunscreen? With these 8 tips your kids will start loving it!

Parenting isn't about perfection. We believe that "good enough" is often more than enough. But when it comes to sun protection, there might be a little extra pressure to really get it right. We've put together a few tips that may work but feel free to adapt and see what works for your family. Good luck and have fun!

1. Plan ahead – make it relaxed

Let’s be honest: putting on sunscreen doesn’t have to take more than a minute. In theory, anyway. That is, if your kids would actually sit still. So always allow enough time to get ready. It’s like the kids can sense when we’re in a rush, and usually it backfires because nothing fuels resistance more than a parent in a hurry. Allowing more time to get through the application routine causes less stress and a more calm environment. For you and for your kid. So: start early and apply sunscreen with ease.

2. Make it fun – bring out the brushes

Kids have a great sense of imagination. Sunscreen? No, thanks. Face paint or makeup? Yes please! Use a brush to apply the sunscreen and it becomes way more fun. Put a little sunscreen on the back of your hand, pick it up with a brush, and gently dab or sweep it across their face (and if needed, their arms and legs) like a real makeover. That soft brush is way more pleasant than cold, sticky parent fingers.

Tip: Use a fluffy foundation or powder brush just for this and make sure to clean it regularly.

3. Teamwork is better – let them help

Most kids just want to feel involved. When they feel in control, things tend to go much smoother. So let them help with applying sunscreen! Give them a small amount of cream to rub in, or let them use a spray or stick themselves: “why don’t you do your legs, and I’ll take care of your back?”

Sure, it might take a little longer (but you planned for that, right?) and it might be a bit messier. But if that’s what it takes to get your kids out the door well protected from the sun, so be it.

4. Story time instead of “Can you please sit still?”

Let’s go back to imagination again: turn sunscreen time into a roleplay or storytime. Sunscreen as a magic shield against sun rays? Cool! Or maybe it makes them invisible for a few minutes? The sillier, the better!

5. Half-asleep application – yes, really

Especially with babies or tired toddlers, you can pick a calm moment to apply sunscreen – just after waking up or after a feed. In this cuddly, drowsy state, they’ll often let you apply sunscreen without a fuss – as long as you stay calm too.

6. Less is more – at least at once

A giant blob of sunscreen can be a total turn-off for kids. Go for small doses instead! A dab on the cheek, a bit on the arm, with some giggles or tickles in between. You can also warm the sunscreen between your hands first. It’ll feel softer and more pleasant on the skin and spreads more easily.

7. Skip the changing table: try standing in front of a mirror

Kids don’t love sitting still. Lying down? Even worse. Try applying sunscreen with them standing in front of a mirror. That way, they can see what’s happening, and the scary thoughts of them getting covered in sunscreen disappears.

Pro-tip: “Look! You’ve got a sunscreen crown on your forehead!” is surprisingly effective.

8. Washing off sunscreen – without tears

Does your child absolutely hate washing off sunscreen? We get it. Did you know that applying baby oil on the skin, before bath time, helps to break down te sunscreen? It makes it much easier to wash off without scrubbing! Use some lukewarm water, washgel and a wash cloth and you’re done before you know it (with baby soft skin). Make bath time a ritual with bubbles, toys, and stories. That way, cleaning up becomes part of winding down instead of another stressful chore.

In conclusion: most kids don’t love sunscreen, but a little creativity goes a long way

Most parents don’t love applying sunscreen either. It’s not exactly a dream task. But with a little playfulness, humor, and solid preparation, it can be way easier and much more fun to get it done. For your kids and for you.